Some Oklahomans have medical or personal issues that require them to be placed in a hospital, nursing home or rehabilitation center. If they are receiving Supplemental Security Income, this can be a concern as to whether they can continue to get their benefits. The Social Security Administration has certain requirements for this eventuality and it is important to understand them so as not to have a problem with the SSI benefits.
If a person needs to be placed in a nursing home, a hospital or another medical facility and Medicaid pays for greater than half of the cost of the care, the SSI benefits will be limited to $30 every month. Those who are 18 or older and reside in a public medical institution in which Medicaid does not pay more than half of the costs will not be able to get SSI benefits. If a person under 18 goes into a facility in which Medicaid or private insurance individually or combined pays more than half the cost, the child’s SSI will be capped at $30 per month. If a child under 18 is in an institution in which neither Medicaid nor private insurance are paying for more than half of the costs, there can be no SSI benefits.
There is a special rule for those who are in the facility for 90 days or less. If the SSA is provided with certain information, it might be possible to continue receiving SSI benefits for as much as three months. The SSA must receive a medical statement from a doctor that says the person will be in the facility for 90 consecutive days or less. In addition, there must be a statement from the person or someone who is aware of the person’s situation saying that the SSI benefits are needed to continue the living arrangements during the time he or she is in the facility. These must be provided before the person leaves the facility or by the 90th day of their residence, whichever comes first.
Getting SSI benefits through Social Security disability program has certain rules that must be adhered to so the recipient is in full compliance. Being placed in a facility does not automatically mean that a person will not continue to get SSI benefits. If there is an issue or confusion, speaking to a lawyer who is experienced in SSI Supplemental Security Income can help with a case.
Source: ssa.gov, “Spotlight On Continued SSI Benefits For Persons Who Are Temporarily Institutionalized — 2017 Edition,” accessed on May 23, 2017